Birding economics and birder demographics studies as conservation tools

Abstract

Birders are the primary user-group of neotropical migratory birds. In the United States, birders number in the tens of millions and spend upwards of $20 billion dollars per year on bird seed, travel, and birding paraphernalia. Average yearly spending by active birders averages between $1,500 and $3,400, with travel being the major expenditure. Research needs include studies of birder demographics and birding economics at the national and state levels, as well as at specific birding sites. In addition, we must learn more about birder knowledge of how wildlife programs are funded and their attitudes toward new means of funding such programs. The meager information available on these topics is reviewed. With funding for nongame wildlife programs floundering, the need for new funding sources is acute. As the primary user-group of neotropical migrant birds, birders represent a large, dependable source of revenue for nongame programs just as hunters and fishermen have funded game programs.

Parent Publication

• Status and management of neotropical migratory birds

Citation

Kerlinger, Paul. 1993. Birding economics and birder demographics studies as conservation tools. In: Finch, Deborah M.; Stangel, Peter W. (eds.). Status and management of neotropical migratory birds: September 21-25, 1992, Estes Park, Colorado. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-229. Fort Collins, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service: 32-38